Curriculum & Assessment

Tools of the Mind Curriculum

The Tools of the Mind Curriculum, which started in 1992, is the result of collaborative work between Russian and American education researchers based on the educational theories of Lev Vygotsky. Play is the central teaching tool of the curriculum which focuses on giving children the mental tools they need to develop academic and self-regulation skills (Bodrova & Leong, 1996). As part of their daily play children make a plan, using the Scaffold Writing approach. This approach allows teachers to assess and support emerging literacy skills on an individualized basis. The curriculum materials are designed to support a diverse range of learners, including children with disabilities, dual language learners, and advanced learners.

The Tools of the Mind professional development model focuses on transformative learning. Teachers are supported through ongoing in person workshops, virtual webinars and through an interactive app called the 'iScaffold'. To learn more about the curriculum, download the information brochure and visit our website www.toolsofthemind.org.